Basketball Australia confirms a change to the Seven Consulting Opals team ahead of the 2025 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup, set to tip off in China this Sunday.
Maddy Rocci has been ruled out of the tournament due to injury, with Abbey Ellis added to the Opals team in her place.
“Maddy has been working so hard for this opportunity, so it’s devastating for her and for us,” said Opals Associate Head Coach Paul Goriss.
“It’s disappointing to lose her so close to Asia Cup after she played so well in the Trans-Tasman series. Her toughness, elite defence, and aggressive on-ball pressure will definitely be missed — but we have a capable replacement in Abbey.”
Ellis, a playmaking guard, was named the WNBL’s 2024–25 Breakout Player of the Year after a standout season with the Townsville Fire and continued her rise with an impressive Opals debut during the 2025 Trans-Tasman Throwdown.
“Abbey is similar to Maddy in that she provides full-court defence, the ability to push our pace in transition, and knock down the open shot,” Goriss added.
“She was with us during the Trans-Tasman series, so she knows the style and system we want to play.”
Basketball Australia and the Seven Consulting Opals wish Maddy all the best and look forward to seeing her back on court soon.
